The Argentine, who won the Champions League and two of his La Liga titles with Neymar alongside him at Barcelona, said he had spoken to the Brazilian about rumours linking him with a return to Spain.

Indeed, Lionel Messi has informed him just that- indicating that Real Madrid are perhaps pressing for him.

Neymar Jr's return to the pitch is near following a long and hard foot injury and on Wednesday he is expected to be shown off in an open-door training session that his club Paris Saint Germain has planned to delight their fans.

In an interview with TyC Sports, Messi said: "It would be awful [if Neymar moved to Madrid] because of everything he means to Barcelona". It would be a huge blow for everyone. "It would make Real Madrid even stronger from a football point of view". He holds the notion that he has nothing to prove by being successful at another club.

Neymar endured a mixed debut season in France where it began frosty both with manager Unai Emery and team-mate Edinson Cavani following a row over penalty duties. "I hope it is my cup", he said.

"I am not tempted to leave Barcelona".

The 26-year-old made his debut for the Parisians last August following his world-record £198m move from Barcelona and marked the occasion with a goal as they had an easy 3-0 win against Guingamp. In the overall assessment, it's a good season that ended up being a little spoiled by the injury I had.

"I have talked to him, he already knows [my thoughts]".

While Real Madrid are supposedly the frontrunners in the race to sign the superstar still, the Mancunians reportedly possess a trump card in the form of Neymar Santos Sr.

Zinedine Zidane insists "every important player wants to play for Real Madrid", but refused to entertain the idea of launching an audacious bid for Neymar. "It's what we all want".

French oil firm Total says it may discontinue project in Iran
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2nd District is focus as Nebraska residents vote in primary
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Coinbase Offers New Institutional Investor Products
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Connections: The future of sports betting in New York State
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Mike Budenholzer hired as new head coach of Milwaukee Bucks
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Arteta favourite to land Arsenal job
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